by Vivian Arend
“I’m not burning anything,” Len muttered in the background. “Get your ass back here before the eggs turn to rubber.”
Clay took Maggie’s coat and hung it on one of the half-dozen hooks lining the wall in the mudroom. Stupid how much satisfaction he got out of draping his coat over hers.
“Did they know we were coming?” Maggie whispered, leaning her shoulder against him as she spoke.
It was one of those opportunities he wasn’t going to miss. He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. She settled in tight, hands resting lightly on his chest as she looked up expectantly. “I texted him,” Clay admitted.
A brief cough interrupted them. Janey stood in the doorway. “What do you guys want to drink?”
Clay braced himself for Maggie to pull away, or jerk back in surprise at being caught cuddled up intimately, but she didn’t budge. Just swung her head toward Janey and answered. “Coffee is good.”
“Me too.”
Then the fire alarm went off and Janey’s eyes widened. She whirled out of sight as the aroma of bacon took on a decidedly charcoaly tinge. Laughter and smoke poured from the kitchen along with the sound of windows being opened and what maybe was chairs being dragged over the floor.
Maggie’s nose wrinkled as she smiled at him. “Good thing we don’t work as undercover agents. We suck at keeping secrets.”
“We don’t need to hide anything around these two. I’d already thought about that,” Clay admitted.
“Of course you had.” She tapped him on the chest then moved toward the stairway and up the couple risers into the kitchen. The shrieking siren cut off as Clay followed hard on her heels.
Len stood on a kitchen chair, the fire alarm open above his head and the disconnected battery in his hand. Janey cautiously carried a cookie sheet in her oven-mitted hands. “Coming through,” she shouted, aiming for the back door.
Clay went ahead of her and pushed aside the screen door so she could go outside to drop the still-smoking pan on the picnic table on the back deck.
Still, she was chuckling when they returned to the kitchen, Len sheepishly replacing the chair at the table.
It took a little juggling but they ended up with a decent brunch, no bacon, the four of them gathered around the table sharing comfortable conversation.
He watched for any signs that Maggie was feeling uncomfortable, but she and Janey seemed to have a lot to discuss, so he poured himself another cup of coffee and sat back to enjoy the meal.
Len knocked his elbow lightly to get his attention. “Not that you have to tell me anything, but…”
He tilted his head toward the girls. They were looking over a photo album Janey had brought to the table full of highlights from housing projects she’d completed. Maggie was smiling with enthusiasm as she asked questions.
Clay spoke softly, not disturbing their animated discussion. “Not much to tell yet.”
His brother stirred his coffee slowly. “No problem. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”
It was a strange offer in many ways. Clay was used to being the one who took care of his family, not the one who leaned on them for help. And yet he was so close to the situation, it would be good to get an outside opinion.
“You’re okay with it?”
Len glanced at him, his expression unreadable. “Doesn’t bug me. Just don’t know how it’s gonna go over around town.”
Which echoed exactly what Clay was worried about. “Yeah.”
And he was back to being stuck in that position between personally not giving a damn what the collective busybodies thought, and wanting to protect Maggie from more pain. Yet…she’d said she was fine with it. He had to respect that, as hard as it was.
“As long as you guys are there for us, that’s all we need,” Clay admitted.
Len bumped his fist into Clay’s shoulder, and it was the only answer he got. But from his brother, that was more than enough assurance.
“What are you guys up to for the rest of the day?” Janey asked.
Maggie glanced at him. “We didn’t talk about it yet.”
A repeat of their morning sounded good to Clay, but he could control himself for a few hours. Spend some time in the fresh air before he took her back to bed. “How about a tour at the project site? Want to see how it’s coming along?”
“Hey, that’s a great idea.” Janey pushed back from the table and grabbed the rest of the dirty dishes to pile them in the sink. “I haven’t seen it since you guys took down the old buildings.”
“I need to get changed and put on my boots,” Maggie said. “I can meet you there.”
He wasn’t letting her get away that easily. “We’ll meet you there,” Clay told Len.
He helped her into his truck, once again guiding her through the driver side. Maggie settled in the middle, laughing softly as she waved goodbye to Janey.
“What?” Clay asked. “What’s so funny?”
“You. Did you really hide your truck here last night?”
“Hey, it seemed like a brilliant idea at one in the morning.”
She laughed again. “I’m sure it did. It was more than I could think up at that time, but really, it’s not necessary. We’re grownups, and if we’re going to do this, I’m not ducking around corners like I’m ashamed to be seen with you.”
He didn’t answer until he pulled into her driveway and put the truck in park. Then before she could escape out the passenger door he caught her chin in his fingers, staring into her unwavering gaze. Such a beautiful, strong woman. “Ashamed is the last thing I am. I’m so fucking amazed you want to have anything to do with me. I mean that.”
The edges of her lips curled into a smile. “Are you coming in while I get changed?”
“Tempting, but we promised we’d meet Len and Janey soon.” He pushed open the door and helped her down, keeping her fingers linked in his as he walked her to the door. “Get changed—I’ll wait here.”
Clay drove slowly past the building site. “When was the last time you were here?” he asked, his fingers warm where he’d refused to let go of hers.
“A couple of weeks ago. Before you guys took down the hall.” Maggie leaned forward to peer out the window, eager to check out the changes. “At this stage of the game there’s not a lot for me to do, so I’m making sure I don’t get in anybody’s way.”
“It’s neat to see the progress.” He pointed to the small shed that had been constructed at the edge of the rectangular lot. “Like that. They built it yesterday. It’s full of construction equipment, but you’ll be able to take it over after they’re done. It will be a good place to store gardening tools.”
She nodded eagerly, slipping out of her seatbelt the instant he stopped. There was a skiff of snow on the ground and the air felt more like winter than spring, but seeing the lot without the old ramshackle hall made it seem a lot more real.
“I can hardly wait until the buildings start to go up.”
Clay didn’t answer. He was moving toward where Len and Janey stood near the corner fence. Maggie followed, wondering why they were stomping in circles.
She got close enough for the reason to become clear and jerked to a stop. “Oh, no.”
Janey pulled a face, rubbing her heel harder over a small fire, leaving a black streak behind. “Some bored kids, I guess. Lighting grass fires.”
“And doing some decorating.” Len shook his head. “So damn stupid. They’ve got the youth center just around the corner. Why the heck were they hanging out here?”
Maggie moved toward the fence where someone had taken a couple of cans of spray paint and written obscenities. It wasn’t artistic graffiti; it was straight-out ugly. “Daniel said some of the older kids were using the hall as a hangout. I guess they’re not happy about losing the space.”
“Doesn’t excuse them acting like idiots,” Clay turned on the spot and swore. “Or breaking into things they shouldn’t.”
Maggie followed his gaze to the new shed. From th
is angle it was clear that the neat miniature barn-shaped building had also suffered unwanted attention. On the backside, the pristine red wood with its neat white trim was covered with more spray paint, a violent scar against the pretty freshness.
While Clay and Len dealt with the broken window, Janey linked her arm through Maggie’s and pulled her in another direction. “Come on, there’s nothing we can do, and if I know the guys, they’re just holding back out of consideration for our delicate ears.”
“So we should walk away and let them cuss a bit?” Maggie asked.
Janey shrugged. “We have different ways of coping. Our guys have a few rough edges. At times it seems Len likes to think he’s guarding some princess in a castle, but it doesn’t hurt anything for me to let him.”
Maggie walked silently for a moment. Her brain had stuttered to a stop at our guys. She cleared her throat. “We kind of threw this at you this morning. Me and Clay, I mean. But you didn’t seem upset.”
“Are you kidding me? Len warned me not to overwhelm you with gushing enthusiasm. I think you and Clay getting together is awesome.”
It was good to have another supporter. “Good.”
“Right. But if he does anything to hurt you? I will nail his balls to the floor.”
Janey’s obviously well-intended yet bloodthirsty comment made Maggie laugh. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”
“Hey, there are more of them in this family than us. Guys, I mean, so we need to stick together.” Janey squeezed her arm, pulling them to a stop at the end of the lot where they could look back over the entire section. “Really. I like you because you’re an amazing woman, and that’s not gonna change.”
A warm glow rose fast. “Thank you.”
She wasn’t sure what else to say. And then she realized, at this point she didn’t have to. She was finding new friends, and new activities to fill the void left behind by Cameron’s passing.
She was living again. One day at a time.
Chapter Twelve
Maggie grumbled as she stared at the closet where neat stacks of clothing thumbed their nose at her. That whole complaining about having nothing to wear—that woman had never been her, but suddenly it was her.
Clay had suggested they go out for dinner then hit Traders for some dancing, and here it was barely two in the afternoon, and she was already fussing about her clothes.
She was torn. Should she dress casual as if this were just another outing between two good friends, or put on something a little special? She was leaning toward something that would make that sexy look of appreciation light up his eyes.
Only her wardrobe was sadly lacking. A lot of things didn’t fit anymore since she’d lost weight. Some things she didn’t want to wear because they’d been Cameron’s favourites, and while it shouldn’t matter, it did.
Her gaze drifted to the other side of the closet where most of his things still hung. It made no sense to keep them, not when other people could use them.
Maggie deliberately went to the kitchen and grabbed a bunch of plastic bags along with a sharpie. She split his work clothes and a couple of dressier outfits into bags for some of the older boys at school who she knew could use them, hoping she could find a way to pass on the items without hurting their masculine pride.
Then she went through her things ruthlessly, chucking the more sentimental ones into a bag for charity outside Rocky Mountain House area. She didn’t want to turn the corner at the grocery store and spot someone wearing a familiar outfit. It wasn’t that big of a deal, but there was no reason why she had to set herself up for pain.
By the time she’d gone through the entire collection, her bed was covered and most of her closet was empty, and she was debating having a good old-fashioned pity-party for an hour or so.
Of course, that’s when Clay walked in.
He took one look at the stacks and another at her face then damn if he didn’t just swoop in and gather her up. Holding her tight and offering comfort.
If she hadn’t wanted to cry before, his tender touch would’ve been enough to set her off. This time it wasn’t heart-wrenching body-shaking sobs, which she was thankful for. She done enough of that in the early days to never want to get that upset again. But it was impossible to stop the tears washing down her cheeks as she clutched the front of his shirt and hid in the circle of his arms.
It took a little while before she could steady her breathing enough to speak without sounding like a fool. “I didn’t hear you come in. I’m so sorry.”
He didn’t move, just kept stroking her back. “I knocked, but when you didn’t come to the door I let myself in. What on earth are you apologizing for?”
She rested her forehead against his chest, fingertips moving slowly over the fabric of his T-shirt. “I feel horrid. So often when you come over, you have to mop me up.”
Clay caught her chin in his fingers and tilted her head back until there was nowhere for her to look except straight into his eyes. His gaze trapped her and held her captive. “Don’t you ever regret letting me see what you’re feeling. You don’t need to hide your emotions from me.”
“Missing him hits out of nowhere at times, and suddenly I’m a mess. It’s got to be a tough reminder for you as well.”
He made a noise somewhere between a growl of frustration and a rumble of pain. “Cam was a good friend, and I miss him like hell, but that doesn’t mean I know what you’re going through, so don’t you ever apologize for that again.”
Maggie swallowed around the lump in her throat and forced a nod. “Why did I guess you’d say that?”
Clay smoothed his fingers through her hair, a soft smile returning to his lips. “Because you know I’m a fabulous guy, and that’s what us fabulous guys do. I have a question for you—a serious one.”
Maggie stepped out of his embrace and took a deep breath, wiping the tears from her cheeks as she pulled herself together. “Shoot.”
He tilted his head toward the kitchen. “What say we order ourselves a pizza tonight? We can check what’s on Netflix and have a quiet evening, just the two of us.”
Sudden relief rolled through her. The last thing she wanted tonight was to put on a happy face and head out on the town. “I should’ve figured you’d say that, too,” Maggie admitted. “It sounds wonderful, if you really don’t mind.”
“Nope, not one bit. Although, at some point I do want to take you dancing.”
She accepted the hand he held toward her. “You just want another chance to grope me in public,” she teased.
“Maybe,” he confessed. “Although groping you in private is a lot more interesting.”
Before they left the room, she glanced back at the bed. She’d come so far; she hated to give up on her task. “Once we order the pizza, can you can help me finish this?”
Clay nodded, his expression serious as his strong fingers wrapped around hers. It was another task to get through and to get beyond.
It was a whole lot easier because he was there.
By the time pizza arrived, all the bags had been carried outside and placed in Clay’s truck. He promised to drop them off at the appropriate charity boxes. With two large pizzas on the table and a movie on the TV, Maggie settled in next to him. He ate one-handed, his other arm draped around her shoulders as if he wanted to keep her close. She finished a couple slices and then curled in tighter, resting her head against his chest.
She wasn’t even sure what they were watching because it was more about being there with a warm body at her side. Someone who was so much more than just a friend, and impulsively she tilted her head back and pressed her lips against his cheek.
Clay glanced at her and offered a smile. “What was that for?”
Maggie shrugged, laying her hand on top of his arm. “Thank you for being you. I don’t know how I would’ve made it through without your help.”
He leaned closer and pressed his lips to hers for a brief second. A kiss of tenderness and compassion and friendship all wrapped up i
n one. When he pulled back, his eyes shone with happiness. “No problem, Mags. I like being there for you.”
Chapter Thirteen
Before he could get out of the truck, Maggie was already darting down the front steps and jerking open the passenger door.
She climbed in and offered him a kiss.
“You’re ready bright and early,” he said with a chuckle.
Maggie sat back to do up her seatbelt. “Hey, it’s been a long time since I’ve been shopping in Red Deer. I’m a little giddy.”
Clay shook his head in amusement. “If this trip makes you giddy, just wait till we do the drive to Calgary.” He eyed the space between them. “You really going to sit all the way over there?”
Maggie laughed as she undid her seatbelt and moved into the center of the bench seat. “Bossy.”
She had no idea how much he was holding back. Clay laid a hand on her thigh and drove with the other, heading them out of town. “I promised you shopping and lunch. You okay with us being back in time for dinner? Katy wants everyone to come on over for my dad’s birthday tonight instead of tomorrow.”
She nodded. “Not a problem at all, in fact we don’t even have to go today—”
“Enough,” he interrupted. “We’ve tried to get away two weekends in a row. This time we’re going.”
She settled in beside him, her complaining done, and Clay relaxed and enjoyed having her tucked up against him.
They’d been together officially for nearly four weeks, although it had to be one of the slowest-boil relationships he’d ever seen. They were used to spending time with each other, and in some ways that familiarity was setting the pace. He went over to her place, or she came over to his, and suddenly it seemed as if there were always at least a couple of his family around.
It had never really registered how much he saw of the lot of them outside of work hours. The closeness wasn’t something he wanted to change, but it did make finding alone time more challenging.
He also didn’t want Maggie to think the only reason he was with her was for sex. Although, holy hell, the times they’d found themselves alone, they’d both been more than eager to let loose.
